Interspecific tree ‘Late Brittney’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemagaurd’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Vigorous, semi-spreading tree growth.   2. Heavy and regular production of large fruit maturing in the late season.   3. Fruit having firm flesh, holding firm on the tree 7 to 10 days after maturity (shipping ripe).   4. Fruit with very good flavor and shipping quality.   5. Fruit with an average Brix of 15.5° and a good balance between acid and sugar.   6. Fruit with an attractive yellow-orange skin color.

Botanical classification: Interspecific Prunus species.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our varieties that the present variety of interspecifictree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimentalorchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of interspecific, plum and apricot trees,which are known to us, and mentioned herein, are the apricots‘Patterson’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,877), ‘Modesto’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.2,543), ‘Tracy’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,062), ‘Autumn Glory’(non-patented), ‘Red Beaut’ Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,539) and theproprietary plumcot 4G436.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new variety of interspecific tree, a combination of crosses between(Prunus armeniaca and Prunus salicina), was originated by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from an openpollinated proprietary interspecific seedling selection with theidentification number ‘192LD63’. The maternal parent (192LD63)originated from crosses of the following apricot parents ‘Patterson’(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,877), ‘Modesto’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,543),‘Autumn Glory’ (non-patented), ‘Tracy’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,062) andthe proprietary plumcot ‘4G436’. The proprietary plumcot (4G436)originated from seed of an open pollinated ‘Red Beaut’ Plum (U.S. PlantPat. No. 2,539). A large number of these open pollinated seedlings werebudded on established trees of ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented) toenhance earlier fruit production and under close observation the presentseedling exhibited desirable fruit and tree characteristics and wasselected in 1996 for asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecifictree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETIES

The present new variety of interspecific tree[(Apricot×Apricot)×Plumcot]×[unknown pollen] is of large size, vigorous,semi-spreading growth and a productive and regular bearer of large size,freestone fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. The fruit isfurther characterized by having an attractive yellow-orange color,holding firm on the tree 7 to 10 days after maturity (shipping ripe) andbeing relatively uniform in size and maturity throughout the tree, withthe fruit maturing in the late maturity season. The fruit having goodhandling, storage and shipping quality, with an average Brix of 15.5°.In comparison to its interspecific maternal parent (192LD63), the fruitof the new variety is larger in size, is higher in Brix and isapproximately 30 days later in maturity. In comparison to the commercialapricot parent ‘Patterson’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,877), the fruit of thenew variety is larger in size and is approximately 40 days later inmaturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and            width for economical harvesting of fruit.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters in height the            first growing season. Varies with type of soil, fertility,            climatic conditions and cultural practices.        -   Form.—Semi-spreading, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Semi-spreading, crotch angle approximately            40°, increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            necessary for desired marketable size. Fruit set varies with            climatic conditions during blooming period.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 4 consecutive years, no            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self fertile, sets fruit under bags.        -   Density.—Medium dense, pruned to vase shape to allow            sunlight to center of tree to enhance fruit color and health            of fruit spurs.        -   Hardiness.—Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Hardy in all            stone fruit growing areas of California. Winter chilling            requirement approximately 850 hours at or below 45° F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 67.3 cm at 27.9 cm above            ground on a 6 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium.        -   Texture.—Medium rough, becomes rougher with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 3/4 to 2.5Y 4/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 17.7 cm. at 0.7 meter            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 40°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth smooth. Mature growth medium            rough, becoming rougher with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 38 in a 25.8 sq cm area of branch.            Average length 2.3 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color varies            from 7.5YR 6/10 to 7.5 YR 6/8.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 5/6 to 10YR 5/6. Mature            growth varies from 5YR 4/2 to 7.5 YR 4/2, varies with            exposure to sun and age of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 74.4 mm. Average width 63.2 mm.        -   Form.—Ovate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Doubly serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slightly            indented over midrib and leaf veins, glabrous. Lower surface            relatively smooth, small ridges created by midrib and            pinnate venation, glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Size — medium. Average length 20.4 mm. Average            width 1.4 mm. Longitudinally grooved, very shallow. Surface            — glabrous. Color varies from 5R 3/8 to 2.5GY 8/6, varies            with amount of exposure to direct sunlight.        -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — medium. Average length            0.5 mm. Average diameter 0.4 mm. Average number 2, varies            from 1 to 3. Located primarily the upper portion of the            petiole and the base of leaf blade. Color varies from 2.5R            2/8 to 2.5YR 5/8.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 4/8 to 5GY 3/6. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 5/6 to 5GY 4/4. Midvein color varies            from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY 8/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 12.2 mm. Average            diameter 8.3 mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming slightly elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 2.2 mm. Average width 2.0 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 8/6 to 2.5GY 8/10.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/6 to 7.5RP 8/6.        -   Number of buds per spur.—Varies from 1 to 16, average            number 6. Varies with age of spur.-   Flowers:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average height 16.4 mm. Average            diameter 25.3 mm.        -   Petals.—Number 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —            average length 12.5 mm. Average width 14.3 mm. Shape —            orbicular. Margin — sinuate. Color varies from 5RP 8/6 to            7.5RP 9/2, fades with age. Both surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Number 5, alternately arranged to petals. Shape —            triangular. Both upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Size —            average length 5.3 mm. Average width 6.3 mm. Color — upper            surface varies from 2.5R 6/6 to 2.5R 8/4. Lower surface            varies from 2.5R 3/6 to 2.5R 3/8.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 32. Average filament            length 9.7 mm. Filament color N 9.5/ (white). Anther color            varies from 5Y 8.5/8 to 5Y 8.5/6.        -   Pollen.—Self fertile, sets fruit under bag. Color varies            from 2.5Y 8/12 to 5Y 8.5/8.        -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Surface — pubescent. Average            length 15.8 mm. Position of stigma average of 0.8 mm above            anthers. Color varies from 2.5GY 9/4 to 10Y 8/4.        -   Fragrance.—Very slight.        -   Blooming period.—Date of First bloom Feb. 25. 2005. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 7, 2005, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 8/6 to 7.5RP 9/2, fades with age of            flower.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Usually one.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 2.6 mm. Average width 2.4 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY 6/6.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of fruit picking.—Aug. 10, 2005.        -   Date of last picking.—Aug. 17, 2005, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 67.0 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 78.2 mm. Average across suture            plane 58.1 mm. Average weight 95.6 grams, varies slightly            with fertility of the soil, amount of thinning and climatic            conditions.        -   Form.—Slightly elongated, slightly flattened toward suture            plane.        -   Suture.—Shallow, well sealed, extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Distinct, lipped.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Varies from flat to slightly retuse.        -   Cavity.—Rounded to elongated in suture plane. Average depth            4.1 mm. Average diameter 7.7 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 5.1 mm. Average            diameter 2.7 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/4.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Flesh firmer near surface of skin, toward pit            cavity smooth and juicy.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to the ‘Patterson’ Apricot (U.S.            Plant Pat. No. 2,877).        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Very good.        -   Flavor.—Very good, good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 15.5°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 7/10 to 10YR 7/12. Pit cavity varies            from 5YR 7/8 to 7.5YR 6/10.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Down.—Moderate pubescence, very short in length.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 7/10 to 7.5YR 6/14, skin slightly            darker where exposed to direct sunlight.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Freestone.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 28.7 mm. Average width            21.8 mm. Average thickness 14.8 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Usually rounded, varies from rounded to straight.        -   Apex.—Usually rounded, varies from rounded to slight point.            Average length 0.8 mm.        -   Surface.—Very slightly pitted throughout. A very shallow            groove on each side of suture.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—Very narrow, small ridge near groove on each side of            suture.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 3/2 to 7.5YR 3/4.-   Kernal:    -   -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Taste.—Bitter.        -   Viability.—Viable, embryo completely developed.        -   Size.—Medium. Average length 19.8 mm. Average width 13.4 mm.            Average depth 7.4 mm.        -   Skin.—Color varies from 10YR 5/6 to 10YR 5/8.-   Use: Dessert. Market, local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Relatively good, held firm in cold storage 14 days    at 38° to 42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or    appreciable loss of eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal flesh bruising or skin    scarring during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety observed during    indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial,    virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our    breeding program.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct interspecific tree, substantially as illustratedand described, characterized by its large size, vigorous, semi-spreadinggrowth and a productive and regular bearer of large fruit with very goodflavor and eating quality; the fruit is further characterized by havingfirm flesh, good handling and shipping quality, holding firm on the tree7 to 10 days after maturity (shipping ripe) and in comparison to itsinterspecific maternal parent (192LD63), the fruit is larger in size,higher in Brix and is approximately 30 days later in maturity.